One of the many challenges of Pesach is finding permitted pet food. There are two separate Kashrus issues for us to be aware of: one related specifically to Pesach, the other related to the rest of the year as well. The year-round problem concerns meat and milk. Commonly, dog and cat foods that contain meat (not chicken) and milk together is rendered forbidden to Jewish pet owners all year round. However there is even more for a Jewish pet owner to be concerned about during Pesach. Due to the prohibition of deriving any pleasure or benefit from chametz, we are not permitted to use or own pet food containing any type of chametz on Pesach. It is therefore important to be aware of the prevalent use of the five grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt) in dog and cat foods today. Almost all dry pet food list wheat or oats as their first ingredient. This is true for fish food and bird food as well.
Benefit from "Kitniyos" (legumes) is permitted on Pesach even for an Ashkenazic Jew. Therefore, rice does NOT pose a problem in pet foods.
The following links will get you lists of pet foods that do not contain forbidden milk and meat mixtures or chametz:
For more information from the CRC, click here
Mon, June 2 2025 6 Sivan 5785